Mammal diversity influences the carbon cycle through trophic interactions in the Amazon.
Nat Ecol Evol
; 1(11): 1670-1676, 2017 Nov.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-28993614
Biodiversity affects many ecosystem functions and services, including carbon cycling and retention. While it is known that the efficiency of carbon capture and biomass production by ecological communities increases with species diversity, the role of vertebrate animals in the carbon cycle remains undocumented. Here, we use an extensive dataset collected in a high-diversity Amazonian system to parse out the relationship between animal and plant species richness, feeding interactions, tree biomass and carbon concentrations in soil. Mammal and tree species richness is positively related to tree biomass and carbon concentration in soil-and the relationship is mediated by organic remains produced by vertebrate feeding events. Our research advances knowledge of the links between biodiversity and carbon cycling and storage, supporting the view that whole community complexity-including vertebrate richness and trophic interactions-drives ecosystem function in tropical systems. Securing animal and plant diversity while protecting landscape integrity will contribute to soil nutrient content and carbon retention in the biosphere.
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Solo
/
Árvores
/
Biomassa
/
Biodiversidade
/
Ciclo do Carbono
/
Mamíferos
Limite:
Animals
País/Região como assunto:
America do sul
/
Caribe ingles
/
Guyana
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Nat Ecol Evol
Ano de publicação:
2017
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Estados Unidos
País de publicação:
Reino Unido